As cultured as a Simon Elliot square pass

Week 11 – MLS Power Rankings

1. New England – They are doing what it takes to win despite injuries. Nicol always seems to have depth. I am interested if they can keep up this run or are they going to emulate the Crew.

2. Chicago – The Fire have stumbled a bit as of late. Their goal differential is outstanding, but they have all three losses at home. Something does not make sense.

3. Houston – I have a soft spot for the defending MLS champs, but there is still a substantial distance between them and Chicago. The three spot is more for the teams above them faltering, but they did also beat Toronto unlike…

4. Los Angeles – My view of this team has not changed. They will score goals, but they will give them up. Yes, they have scored 25, but only have a +4 goal differential.

5. Colorado – I have a feeling that this team is going to bounce around .500 all year. Christian Gomez has added the spark, but the Rapids are still run by Fernando Clavijo.

6. Toronto FC – They got smacked around by the Dynamo. I realize they had Guevara and Edu out, but the rest of the midfield really did not look threatening. Perhaps they cannot play that well on real grass.

7. Chivas – I can’t drop them too much. They played better than New York, but still came away with the loss.

8. Columbus – The losses and injuries are piling up and the goals aren’t, but they still are third. The Crew have a two game road trip to KC and LA before returning home to face, Colorado, and the Fire. Things can get much worse before it gets better if they don’t find some offense.

9. New York – Yes, they won, but it was terribly unimpressive.

10. DC United – DC suddenly looks decent and that has coincided with Emilio getting back on track. The East is getting tougher by the game.

11. Kansas City – They are finally back home and will look to take advantage of a sinking Crew team. They are slipping to the periphery of the East race unless they start winning.

12. Real Salt Lake – Points at home, but none on the road. If they could score a few goals, they might make a run at the playoffs.

13. San Jose – Credit the Quakes for taking care of a wounded Crew team. They still don’t create a lot of chances, but they made the most of them.

14. FC Dallas – This is not a bad team, and the offense is starting to spring to life. I think they might be primed for a string of results, but until then they sit at the bottom.